Demarest Advogados > Sao Paulo, Brazil > Firm Profile

Demarest Advogados > The Legal 500 Rankings

Brazil > Banking and finance

Demarest Advogados has a highly experienced team, valued for its transactional and regulatory advice to banks, funds, and fintechs. The team, which is especially adept in open banking and the development of digital platforms, is led by the ‘exemplary‘ Fabio de Almeida Braga. Braga possesses a strong track record in syndicated loans and debt restructurings, and is often retained by financial services companies in product launches. In addition to its regulatory work, the team is well positioned to handle a variety of transactional matters, including project and trade finance, securitisations, and structured products.

Brazil > Compliance Tier 1

Drawing on its full-service structure, Demarest Advogados is noted for proposing ‘assertive and intelligent solutions’ to address clients’ compliance issues and concerns. Internal investigations are at the core of the practice, which regularly handles highly sensitive matters concerning corruption, fraud, moral and sexual harassment. The group is also a popular choice for clients, including companies from the healthcare, natural resources, energy and technology sectors, seeking assistance in investigations before the Brazilian General Comptroller Office (CGU) and administrative liability proceedings. Other areas of activity for the team include compliance due diligence in the context of M&A transactions, and, increasingly, asset tracing analyses. Co-head Eloy Rizzo is a ‘brilliant professional’, who ‘stands out for his extensive knowledge and experience in internal investigations’, with an emphasis on cross-border matters relating to possible violations of anti-corruption laws. Fellow co-leader Fabyola En Rodrigues has over 20 years’ experience in criminal defence matters. At senior associate level, André Luis Leme is well versed in administrative liability proceedings, while associate Victoria Arcos boasts significant experience in multijurisdictional anti-corruption and anti-fraud investigations.

Brazil > Corporate and M&A: High-end Tier 1

Regularly turned to by a stellar roster of clients, comprising international and domestic companies, private equity funds, financial institutions and other active participants in M&A, Demarest Advogados ‘provides practical, actionable advice’ and ‘innovative solutions’ in the context of high-value inbound and outbound transactions. In addition to its strong credentials in cross-border M&A, the group is particularly noted for its experience in deals involving publicly held companies, where it can draw on its strong regulatory and compliance skills. Corporate governance and M&A specialist Luciana Cossermelli Tornovsky is well versed in cross-border transactions, including investments and joint ventures. With over two decades’ experience in corporate transactional matters, José Diaz maintains a broad practice centred on M&A, corporate reorganisations and international trade. Gabriel Kuznietz, who regularly acts for aviation and maritime clients, is also singled out for his experience in large-cap M&A. Brazilian household name companies, sovereign wealth and private equity funds routinely seek Thiago Sandim’s advice, while Ana Carolina Botto Audi excels in private equity and venture capital investments. Fábio Tayar and Marcelo Peloso – who focus on M&A, private equity work, and corporate reorganisations – are the stand out figures at the associate level. Since publication, the team has been reinforced by the arrival of Julia Visconti from Lobo de Rizzo Advogados in January 2024.

Brazil > Insurance Tier 1

Singled out for its strong capabilities in non-contentious matters, Demarest Advogados boasts a ‘highly qualified‘ practice, which offers representation to national and international insurance and reinsurance companies. In addition to advising on corporate finance, M&A and regulatory compliance, the group also handles partnership and distribution agreements. Insurance disputes and substantial damage claims across various industries also feature on the workload. The ‘attentive, helpful, competent’ department head Marcia Cicarelli Barbosa De Oliveira often acts for insurers in high-stakes cases. Andre Alarcon is recommended for corporate matters, while the ‘excellent’ Camila Prado is a key contact for litigation. Laura Pelegrini, who is widely praised by clients, is a ‘reference lawyer in insurance and mediation/arbitration‘ mandates.

Brazil > International trade Tier 1

Demarest Advogados has a ‘top’ international trade team whose lawyers are ‘available to handle large dumping cases smoothly'. They advise on complex cases across a broad range of industries, such as automotive, manufacturing, steel, fashion, and food, and consistently appear in Brazil’s most significant trade remedies investigations. This includes assisting the Brazilian government on WTO matters, and advising on trade remedies cases initiated by other countries, including the United States, Europe, and Argentina. Practice head José Diaz is a popular name for anti-dumping disputes. Other key individuals include Victor Lopes, who is ‘very experienced in customs law’, Fernando Bueno, ‘an exceptional lawyer with outstanding strategic thinking and a great command of trade law’, and Camila Biral.

Brazil > Labour and employment Tier 1

Praised for its ‘technical skill‘ and ‘up-to-date knowledge’,  Demarest Advogados‘ labour practice acts for an impressive roster of domestic and multinational clients operating in a range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and agribusiness. With strong credentials in both non-contentious and litigation matters, the practice is highly regarded for its work in collective bargaining, mass terminations, labour investigations and strategic lawsuits, including cases before the Labour Public Prosecution Office and public civil actions. Widely recommended by clients and peers alike, Cássia Fernanda Pizzotti is a strong performer in individual and collective labour matters. Pizzotti oversees the team with Renato Canizares, a key contact for start-ups. Other noteworthy individuals include Eduardo Alcantara, who assists companies from the retail, energy, consumer goods and technology segments in labour lawsuits, Maurício Levy, who also focuses on employment litigation, and Stella Castro, who joined from Pessoa Advogados in July 2022.

Tax > Customs Tier 1

Brazil > Capital markets Tier 2

Praised for its ‘creativity’ and ability to ‘add value’, Demarest Advogados‘ fields a team with ‘in-depth knowledge of the capital markets area and related legislation‘. Led by Thiago Giantomassi, the group shines in complex, first-of-a-kind debt and equity products, where it regularly acts for major banks, investment funds, and debt issuers. The group is present in an array of key industries, most notably agribusiness and energy, advising on a broad range of matters, from tokenised securities trading to high-profile US listings. Asset-backed securitisations and investment funds-related matters are other key strengths for the department. Joao Paulo Minetto possesses strong credentials on the equity side, while recently promoted partner Leticia Galdino Wanderley has notable experience in the investment funds space. The practice was reinforced in December 2023 by the arrival of three partners from Lobo de Rizzo Advogados: Paula Magalhães, Maiara Madureira and Luiz Felipe Eustaquio.

Brazil > Competition and antitrust Tier 2

Rated for its ‘legal technical background’ and ‘business understanding of antitrust-related matters’, Demarest Advogados is sought out by clients operating in a multitude of sectors – including healthcare, education and technology – for its expertise in merger approvals and behavioural investigations. Recognised for his work in the negotiation of complex leniency agreements, settlements and divestiture orders, Daniel Oliveira Andreoli is also engaged in high-profile abuse of dominance cases. He jointly leads the group with Bruno Drago, who possesses over 20 years’ experience in merger control, cartel cases and unilateral conduct investigations. Marco Antônio Fonseca is recommended for investigations and merger review cases. Former co-heads Paola Pugliese and Milena Mundim left the firm in April 2023.

Brazil > Environment Tier 2

Clients operating in a host of industry sectors, including mining, forestry, agribusiness, banking, aviation, chemicals, energy, real estate and consumer goods, regularly seek Demarest Advogados‘ advice on the entire spectrum of environmental and ESG matters, ranging from sustainable investments to administrative and judicial proceedings. The team is well positioned to advise on the environmental implications of market-leading M&A and capital markets deals, but is also engaged in high-profile cases involving industrial landfill disputes, air and odour emissions, as well as environmental licensing, protected areas and indigenous peoples’ rights. On the advisory front, the group demonstrates extensive experience in emerging issues, such as carbon credits, reverse logistics and the circular economy. Luiz Sant’Anna, a leading lawyer in the environmental law sphere in Brazil, handles transactional, regulatory, administrative, judicial and criminal mandates, standing out for his knowledge of take-back systems and crisis management. Fernanda Vianna Stefanelo, who heads the firm’s ESG group, frequently advises on environmental licensing, climate change, carbon credits and liability issues. Senior associate Nicholas Krajnc, who joined from Vale in January 2023, is proficient in biodiversity, contaminated areas and waste management.

Brazil > Public law Tier 2

‘Nationally renowned‘ full-service law firm Demarest Advogados is geared to assist clients with the whole spectrum of public procurement work, from competitive biddings and concessions to project development and administrative litigation. Prominent in a wide range of segments, including sanitation, transport and waste management, the team has notable experience handling administrative improbity proceedings before the Federal Court of Accounts. Recommended for complex infrastructure projects, PPPs and privatisations, Bruno Aurélio shares the practice’s leadership with telecoms specialist Tomás Paiva. In January 2023, the team was strengthened by the promotions of concession and PPPs expert Renan Sona and Izabella Reis, who focuses on the mining sector, to partner.

Brazil > Real estate Tier 2

Demarest Advogados has a ‘very good practice in all areas’ of real estate, providing investors, developers, banks and investment funds with comprehensive support in related transactional, regulatory, litigation, insurance, tax and environmental issues. This expertise extends to a wide selection of urban and rural asset classes, including offices, residential, agribusiness, forestry, mining, logistics and retail. Key partners include Marc Stalder, an ‘excellent lawyer’ who excels in the structuring of real estate developments, consortium transactions and acquisitions of land. Practice co-heads Lucas Tavares Bueno, who has over two decades’ experience in real estate deals, timberland investments and agribusiness, and Thiago Giantomassi, who leads on financing transactions involving real estate assets, are also noted.

Brazil > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

Demarest Advogados is a popular choice for major debtors and creditors seeking legal support in contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Commended for its ‘ability to solve multiple problems’ and competence in handling ‘extremely complex cross-border transactions’, the group is well versed in international work involving Chapter 11 and 15 filings in the US, as well as DIP financings and distressed M&A. Practice head Guilherme Fontes Bechara is an ‘outstanding professional’ with ‘enormous respect and recognition in the sector’. In May 2023, former partner Celso Xavier left to establish a new firm, Xavier Gagliardi Inglez Verona Schaffer.

Tax > Tax advisory Tier 2

The tax team at Demarest Advogados stands out for its ‘always impeccable service and deep knowledge of the subjects’. The strong bench of lawyers offers expertise across all contentious and non-contentious tax disciplines, often acting for household companies in large-cap transactions and proceedings before the superior courts. Indirect tax specialist Douglas Mota, who is a key contact for clients from the retail, manufacturing and electricity industries, leads the team. Direct tax expert Carlos Eduardo Orsolon specialises in tax planning, tax restructuring and administrative litigation, while newly promoted partner Roberto Casarini is active in transactional matters and praised for his ‘technical quality and speed of service’. Thiago Amaral is singled out for his experience in administrative litigation and ‘huge knowledge of the market’. Other key individuals include Marcello Pedroso, a name to note for payroll tax, Victor Lopes, who focuses on customs issues, Marcelo Salles Annunziata and Priscila Faricelli, both of whom concentrate on judicial disputes. Since publication, Mauricio Barros has left the firm.

Brazil > TMT: Telecoms Tier 2

The telecoms practice at Demarest Advogados is led by Tomás Filipe Schoeller Paiva, who joined from Mundie e Advogados in February 2022 to kick-start the sector-focused team. A number of leading players from the telecoms industry turn to the firm (praised for its ‘in-depth knowledge of regulations) for advice on the gamut of mandates, including regulatory issues, commercial agreements, contracts, transactions and cases before ANATEL. Paiva possesses ‘robust knowledge of the sector‘, bringing over 17 years of experience in telecoms regulation, new technologies and infrastructure. Senior associate Vitor Amorim Mendonça Alves, whose ‘great technical knowledge‘ is rated by clients, and associate Mauricio Carotenuto handle the full array of telecoms-related matters; both joined in early 2022 from Mundie e Advogados.

Energy and natural resources > Electricity (and renewable energy)

The well-rounded energy and natural resources practice at Demarest Advogados provides ‘outstanding services‘ in the structuring of projects, layered regulatory matters and litigation in the electricity sector. The team of ‘highly qualified professionals‘ is well versed in big-ticket M&A and in the development of generation, distribution and transmission projects, and is also prepared to advise clients on the implementation of self-production and distributed generation structures. Singled out for her ‘distinct sectorial knowledge‘, Rosi Costa Barros steers the team in an array of transactional and regulatory matters related to the power segment. Thaís Tarelho focuses on litigation and non-contentious matters involving power companies. Guilherme Pahl is no longer at the firm.

Energy and natural resources > Mining Tier 3

Covering the gold, copper, iron, aluminium and nickel segments, Demarest Advogados acts for mining and metals companies in strategic M&A, joint ventures and commercial agreements. The multidisciplinary team, which blends corporate, finance and tax expertise, has notable experience in administrative appeals related to infraction notices and forfeiture procedures, and environmental and insurance matters in the context of mining incidents. Practice co-head Izabella Reis, who was welcomed to the partnership in January 2023, is a key contact for mining regulations, due diligence, mining concessions and litigation. Fellow co-leader Thiago Maia, who concentrates his practice on M&A and private equity deals, is particularly active in the acquisition and divestment of mining assets. Co-chair Paulo Coelho da Rocha is another practitioner to note for M&A and corporate governance. Guilherme Kawano stands out at the associate level.

Brazil > Intellectual property Tier 3

Combining its in-depth knowledge of new technologies and IP, Demarest Advogados is adept at advising on a range of IP mandates, with a keen focus on transactions, agreements and portfolio management. Standing out for its expertise in trade marks, the firm has recently expanded its patent workload, which now features prosecution and infringement matters. Leading the practice is ‘the extremely knowledgeable‘ Tatiana Campello, who brings together a wealth of experience in IP, technology and data privacy. In addition to advising on the protection of IP rights and assets, senior associate Camila Garcindo Dayrell Garrote is also active in administrative proceedings.

Brazil > Projects and infrastructure Tier 3

The ‘highly committed team‘ at Demarest Advogados is often called upon by an array of domestic and international stakeholders looking for guidance in all steps of the financing and development of significant projects in the energy, mining, transport, logistics and social infrastructure segments. Besides its strong credentials in project finance and development, the team is also often engaged in public law-related mandates, including bid processes, concessions, PPP agreements and sector-specific disputes. Practice head Bruno Aurélio is singled out for his experience in regulated industries; he is the main point of contact in the team for government projects. Thiago Giantomassi focuses on capital markets transactions, having recently advised on the issuance of debt securities. Renan Sona Silva, who was welcomed to the partnership in January 2023, regularly assists in project development, competitive bids and related litigation. The team was strengthened by the arrival of Marina Ferraz Aidar, Maria Virginia Mesquita Nasser and Luana Komatsu Falkenburger from Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados in September 2023.

Tax > Tax litigation Tier 3

Brazil > TMT: Cybersecurity and data privacy Tier 3

Rated for its 'deep technical knowledge', the data protection, cybersecurity and technology-focused practice at Demarest Advogados is retained by multinationals which manage large volumes of data and seek regular advice on LGPD-related compliance issues and risk management. The team is well equipped to handle the data protection implications of corporate transactions, and data breaches. Leading the practice is Tatiana Campello, who combines her privacy, technology and cybersecurity knowledge to assist a wide range of clients in all their data privacy issues, including AI-related matters. Associate Cecília Cunha is well versed in a variety of data privacy and anti-corruption mandates. Eduardo Magrani is no longer at the firm.

Brazil > Transport: Aviation Tier 3

Full-service Demarest Advogados stands out for its in-depth understanding of the aviation industry, where it acts for a multitude of clients, ranging from airline carriers and aircraft manufacturers to engineering companies and governmental bodies. The aviation team is adept in corporate, financing and liability matters, and benefits from the firm’s strong corporate practice, which makes it well placed to handle M&A involving international airlines and its regulatory requirements. Other areas of expertise include restructurings of international airlines. Drawing on his previous in-house experience at major aviation companies, Gabriel Ricardo Kuznietz frequently acts in European and Latin American cross-border transactions. Bruno Aurélio is also a key member of the team and provides advice on infrastructure projects.

Brazil > White-collar crime and investigations Tier 3

One of the first full-service firms to create a dedicated white-collar crime group, Demarest Advogados has a wealth of experience in acting in the defence of companies and individuals in criminal investigations and sensitive cases, including financial, tax, cyber and environmental crimes, as well as matters involving corruption, bid rigging and money laundering. The highly recommended Fabyola En Rodrigues is retained by major companies and high-ranking executives seeking representation in criminal law cases, government investigations and enforcement proceedings. She leads the practice, which also includes Larissa Borges Guimarães, who specialises in anti-corruption, anti-bribery and compliance matters, and Aline de Oliveira Silva.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Tier 4

Demarest Advogados handles a variety of arbitration proceedings before both domestic and international arbitral bodies. Core areas of activity for the team include corporate and contractual disputes, as well as cases involving the construction and infrastructure sectors. Camila Biral, who frequently acts for clients in litigation and arbitration cases arising from contractual, IP and corporate disputes, and Amanda Sampaio, who is a qualified dispute resolution lawyer in Brazil and New York, are now the main points of contact in the department. The firm experienced a major blow when former practice heads Celso Xavier , Marcelo Inglez de Souza, Rafael Gagliardi, and partners Carlo Verona and Daniel Kaufman left the firm in May 2023. Post publication, the dispute resolution practice was reinforced by the arrival of Ricardo Aprigliano as partner and the incorporation of Aprigliano Advogados in December 2023.

Brazil > Dispute Resolution: Litigation Tier 4

Praise by clients for its ‘technical quality‘ and ‘excellence in client service‘, Demarest Advogados routinely represents a plethora of multinational companies operating in a variety of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, commodities, energy, infrastructure and financial services, in high-stakes litigation before judicial and administrative courts. The practice attracts a steady stream of standalone work, including high-end contractual, corporate and civil disputes, and is well positioned to advise on both domestic and multi-jurisdictional proceedings. Amanda Sampaio, who is dual qualified in Brazil and New York, splits her practice between judicial proceedings, arbitration and pre-litigation matters, and Fernanda Leão were promoted to partner in January 2022. The team experienced a major change when former practice heads Celso Xavier, Marcelo Inglez de Souza and Rafael Gagliardi and partner Daniel Kaufman left in May 2023. Post publication, the dispute resolution practice was reinforced by the arrival of Ricardo Aprigliano as partner and the incorporation of Aprigliano Advogados in December 2023.

Energy and natural resources > Hydrocarbons Tier 4

Upstream, midstream and downstream clients routinely turn to Demarest Advogados for assistance in high-end transactions and regulatory matters. In addition to advising on bidding rounds promoted by the ANP and asset deals, the firm is also proficient in the development of onshore and offshore projects, matters involving fuel distribution and disputes related to carbon credits. The oil and gas practice is under the joint leadership of David Meiler, who acts for large and independent oil companies and service providers in this space, and João Luis Almeida, ‘an excellent professional’ in M&A, farm-outs, financings and regulatory matters in the upstream segment. Senior associate Roberta Batalha has recently been engaged in pre-salt bid rounds and several transactional matters. Bárbara Bittencourt left the firm in February 2023.

Brazil > Life sciences Tier 4

The 'highly qualified and experienced team' at Demarest Advogados acts for domestic and international companies from the pharmaceutical, consumer goods, animal health, medicine, healthcare and biochemical industries. With a multidisciplinary approach, the practice is well positioned to handle the full array of life sciences mandates, including interactions with ANVISA. Showcasing notable strength in biotech work, Claudio Mattos is particularly skilled in regulatory matters involving bio-controlled substances and genetically modified organisms. Bruno Aurélio, a key contact for tobacco and healthcare companies, and senior associate Monique Guzzo, a name to note for the pharmaceutical, food and supplementary health segments, stand out for their regulatory and public law capabilities. Ana Paula Pinheiro Schedel is experienced in pharmaceutical and biotechnology contracts, while Camila Biral often handles high-profile disputes in this space.

Brazil > TMT: Tech, innovation and digital business